Judd Grossman, an attorney representing six of Chowaiki’s victims, decried the judge’s sentence. “Where Chowaiki admittedly stole millions of dollars in cash and art, many of his victims believe that an 18-month sentence—less than half of what the government recommended—is particularly light given the magnitude of these crimes.”

"Some of the items were provided for the sale by Darlene Lutz, Madonna’s former friend and art consultant, who was also named as a defendant in the suit. Monday’s ruling also said that a 2004 settlement agreement between Ms. Lutz and Madonna prevented the singer from suing for the items. Reached by email, Ms. Lutz’s lawyer, Judd B. Grossman, said the decision was a 'total victory.' He added, 'The court was clear that Madonna may no longer interfere with the sale of Ms. Lutz’s property.'"

Last summer, Grossman LLP successfully represented renowned artist and photographer Peter Beard and his studio in a lawsuit over three of his original artworks. The Chase defendants appealed to a higher court—the state’s Supreme Court Appellate Division, First Department—which held oral arguments on the appeal in January. And this week, the appellate court again handed an important victory to Mr. Beard.